Collapsible Support Apparatus

ABSTRACT

A collapsible support apparatus constructed from a elongated panel. The collapsible support apparatus is arranged to form a partially enclosed triangular structure for maintaining a bag in an upright and open state predominately within the triangular structure. The elongated panel includes a longitudinal score line which defines first and second elongated subpanels. A lateral score line of the elongated panel defines a base panel extending perpendicularly from a bottom edge of one of the elongated subpanels. The base panel is dimensioned to span intermediate bottom edges of the first and second elongated subpanels to form a closed base which limits abrasion to the bottom of the bag. The collapsible support apparatus is collapsible at least along the longitudinal and lateral score lines into a generally planar structure.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not applicable

RELEVENT FIELD

This application is directed generally toward a support apparatus andmore specifically toward a collapsible support apparatus.

BACKGROUND

Various support structures are known in the relevant art to maintain abag in an open state to receive materials. The majority of thesearrangements require that the bag encompass the support structure whichmakes handling of the combination of bag and support structurecumbersome, particularly when the bag becomes full of materials. In manycases, the support structures of the relevant art lack sufficientstability to maintain the bag in an upright and open state to receivematerials within the bag. While relatively simple to manufacture, theplacement of support structures within the bag allows the supportstructure to become soiled or damaged by materials disposed within thebag, thus limiting the lifespan of the support structure.

In other arrangements, metal frame based support structures aretypically cumbersome, awkward to setup and disassemble, require multipleparts, corrode and may result in pinched fingers when attempting to foldthe structure for storage. Accordingly, there is a need in the relevantart for a lightweight and low cost collapsible support apparatus that issimple to setup and store and avoids one or more of the undesirableproperties of collapsible support apparatus known in the relevant art.

SUMMARY

In view of the foregoing, various exemplary embodiments of a collapsiblesupport apparatus are disclosed. The exemplary embodiments describedherein provide a lightweight, collapsible and partially enclosedtriangular structure which may be used for collection of recyclablematerials, yard wastes, trash or garbage or other materials in a bagsupported thereby or used separately as a type of industrial-sized dustpan or scoop. When used to support a bag, the bag may be of anyconvenient type but is typically a limp plastic bag. The collapsiblesupport apparatus includes an elongated panel arranged to form apartially enclosed triangular structure with a solid base. In anexemplary embodiment, the partially enclosed triangular structure isconfigured to maintain a bag in an upright and open state predominatelywithin the structure. Alternately, the collapsible support apparatus maybe laid on its side to allow for raking of leaves, yard waste and/orsweeping of other materials directly into the bag or onto a planarsurface of the collapsible support apparatus when used without a bag.The collapsible support apparatus may be scaled to accommodate aparticular bag size. For example, plastic bags are typically provided in32 and 42 gallon capacities.

In an exemplary embodiment, the elongated panel includes a longitudinalscore line which defines first and second elongated subpanels. A lateralscore line defines a base panel extending from a bottom edge of thefirst elongated subpanel. The base panel is coupled with the secondelongated subpanel proximate to a bottom edge and serves as a bottomlateral support. In an exemplary embodiment, the base panel includes apolygon shape dimensioned to span intermediate bottom edges of the firstand second elongated subpanels. The triangular structure includes anopen forward face opposite the longitudinal score line which allowsexpansion of the bag as materials are collected therein. The top of thetriangular structure opposite the base panel is likewise open to allowfilling of the bag with materials. The collapsible support apparatus iscollapsible at least along the longitudinal and lateral score lines intoa generally planar structure for storage and/or transportation purposes.

In an exemplary embodiment, the base panel includes a diagonal scoreline which allows the base panel to collapse cooperatively along withthe first and second elongated subpanels. The base panel may collapseintermediate the first and second elongated subpanels or alternatelycollapse outside the periphery of the first and second elongatedsubpanels.

In an exemplary embodiment, the collapsible support apparatus includes apair of longitudinal bag retaining slits formed into top edges of thefirst and second elongated subpanels. The bag retaining slits arelaterally offset a predetermined lateral distance from opposing sideedges of the elongated panel. Each bag retaining slit is configured toreceive a portion of an open end of the bag in a secure wedgingrelationship for positively retaining the bag in the upright and openstate.

In an exemplary embodiment, the collapsible support apparatus includes apair of longitudinally aligned interlocking members. The interlockingmembers are disposed intermediate the bag retaining slits and theopposing side edges of the elongated panel and are configured to engagewith interlocking members associated with one or more other collapsiblebag support apparatus. The interlocking members typically formovoid-shaped push tabs.

In an exemplary embodiment, opposing side edges of the elongated panelinclude a tapered profile with the narrowest lateral dimension of thetapered profile being proximate to the base panel.

In an exemplary embodiment, the base panel includes one or moreapertures adapted to receive means for securing the collapsible supportapparatus to a horizontal surface, for example, earthen ground.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The features and advantages of the various exemplary embodiments willbecome apparent from the following detailed description when consideredin conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Where possible, the samereference numerals and characters are used to denote like features,elements, components or portions of the inventive embodiments. It isintended that changes and modifications can be made to the describedexemplary embodiments without departing from the true scope and spiritof the inventive embodiments as is defined by the claims.

FIG. 1—depicts a top view of a template for forming a collapsible bagsupport in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2A—depicts an initial assembly view of a collapsible supportapparatus in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2B—depicts an intermediate assembly view of a collapsible supportapparatus in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2C—depicts a final assembly view of a collapsible support apparatusin accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 3A—depicts a perspective view of a collapsible support apparatuswith bag installation in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 3B—depicts a perspective view of a collapsible support apparatuswith an installed bag in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 4A—depicts a frontal perspective view of first and secondinterlocked collapsible support apparatus with installed bags inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 4B—depicts a rearward perspective view of first and secondinterlocked collapsible support apparatus with installed bags inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 5A—depicts a frontal view of a collapsible support apparatus in acollapsed state in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 5B—depicts a side view of a collapsible support apparatus in acollapsed state in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various exemplary embodiments of a collapsible support apparatus aredisclosed herein. In the following detailed description, numerousspecific details are set forth in order to provide a thoroughunderstanding of the present inventive embodiments. It will be apparent,however, to one skilled in the art that the present inventiveembodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In otherinstances, well-known structures, devices or components may be shown inblock diagram form in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the presentinventive embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 1, an elongated panel 1 from which an inventiveembodiment of the collapsible support apparatus 100 may be constructedis depicted. In an exemplary embodiment, the elongated panel 1 is formedfrom a substantially rigid material that is lightweight and ofsufficient strength to support a bag filled with material. The materialfrom which the elongated panel 1 is constructed may be made fromcorrugated plastic or cardboard sheet stock but may be made of anymaterial which satisfies the stated requirements. The elongated panel 1may be cut to form the collapsible support apparatus 100 using laser dyecut, arc, mechanical punch, automated saw or other cutting means knownin the relevant art. Typically, the elongated panel 1 has a thickness ina range of 0.1875-0.25 inches. However, the thickness and dimensions ofthe elongated panel 1 may be varied to accomplish a specific designobjective. For example, the thickness of the elongated panel 1 may beincreased to support a heavy load contained in a multi-ply plastic bagused to collect construction debris Likewise, the dimensions of thecollapsible support apparatus 100 may be varied to accommodate bags ofvarious sizes. For example, to provide upright support for a typical 42gallon plastic trash bag, the longitudinal dimension (unfolded) may bein an approximate range of 30 to 34 inches with a lateral dimension inan approximate range of 36 to 40 inches.

The formed collapsible support apparatus 100 includes a longitudinalscore line 40 which defines first and second elongated subpanels 5 a, 5b. The longitudinal score line 40 allows the first and second elongatedsubpanels 5 a, 5 b to pivot such that the side edges 12 a, 12 b of thefirst and second elongated subpanels 5 a, 5 b are aligned in apredetermined spaced relation. Each elongated subpanel 5 a, 5 b mayinclude a tapered profile 65 a, 65 b in which a narrowest lateraldimension of the tapered profile is proximate to a base panel 15.

One or more lateral score line(s) 45 define a base panel 15 whichextends from a bottom edge 70 a of the first elongated subpanel 5 a. Thebase panel 15 includes spaced double scoring lines 55 which extenddiagonally across a planar face of the base panel 15 in a plane thatperpendicularly intercepts the longitudinal score line 40 whenassembled. The base panel 15 is typically configured as a polygon inorder to maximize upright stability of the collapsible support apparatus100.

The spaced double scoring lines 55 allow for cooperatively collapsingthe base panel 15 with the first and second elongated subpanels 5 a, 5 b(FIGS. 5A, 5B). Opposing sides of the spaced double scoring lines 55further define first and second base subpanels 15 a, 15 b. The firstbase subpanel 15 a is pivotally coupled along its top edge 75 a whichparallels the bottom edge 70 a of the first elongated subpanel 5 a viathe lateral score line 45. The second base subpanel 15 b includes acoupling tab 20 disposed longitudinally along a free edge 75 b. One ormore longitudinal score lines 50 are provided which allows the couplingtab 20 to pivot upwardly in a perpendicular relationship with a planarface of the second base subpanel 15 b for assembly. The coupling tab 20is used to secure the second base subpanel 15 b with a planar face ofthe second elongated subpanel 5 b as is described in the discussionaccompanying FIG. 2C below. The base panel 15 may include a polygonshape dimensioned to span intermediate bottom edges 70 a, 70 b of thefirst and second elongated subpanels 5 a, 5 b. The base panel 15 forms asolid base which protects a bag secured within the collapsible supportapparatus 100 and also provides a base to anchor the collapsible supportapparatus 100 to a horizontal surface.

In an exemplary embodiment, one or more apertures 60 a, 60 b areprovided in planar surfaces of the first and/or second base subpanels 15a, 15 b. The apertures are used to receive means for securing thecollapsible support apparatus 100 to the horizontal surface. Forexample, the means may be a spike or stake to hold the collapsiblesupport apparatus 100 against a ground surface. The one or moreapertures 60 a, 60 b may be disposed anywhere along a planar face of thefirst and/or second base subpanels 15 a, 15 b but generally are providedin a paired coplanar relationship on opposing sides of the spaced doublescoring lines 55. The ability to secure the collapsible supportapparatus 100 at the base 15 to a horizontal surface assists inmaintaining an upright orientation particularly in windy outdoorlocations.

In an exemplary embodiment, the collapsible support apparatus 100includes a pair of spaced grip tabs 25 a, 25 b disposed proximate to topedges 10 a, 10 b of the first and second elongated subpanels 5 a, 5 b.The spaced grip tabs 25 a, 25 b are typically configured as ovoid shapedpunch-through apertures where one edge of the punched material remainsattached to the first and second elongated subpanels 5 a, 5 b. Thespaced grip tabs 25 a, 25 b are typically disposed along an axis whichbisects a longitudinal center of gravity when the collapsible supportapparatus 100 is in a collapsed state for ease in hand-carrying. Thespaced grip tabs 25 a, 25 b may also be used to assist in retaining abag within the collapsible support apparatus 100 by forcing a portion ofthe bag through the ovoid shaped punch-through apertures and engagingthe spaced grip tabs 25 a, 25 b with the portions of the bag extendingthrough the ovoid shaped punch-through apertures.

In an exemplary embodiment, longitudinally aligned bag retaining slits35 a, 35 b are formed into top edges 10 a, 10 b of the first and secondelongated subpanels 5 a, 5 b. The bag retaining slits 35 a, 35 b arelaterally offset a predetermined lateral distance inward from opposingside edges 12 a, 12 b of the collapsible support apparatus 100. Thelongitudinally aligned bag retaining slits 35 a, 35 b are configured toreceive a portion of an open end of a bag in a secure wedgingrelationship for positively retaining the bag in an upright and openstate predominately within the collapsible support apparatus 100.

In an exemplary embodiment, a pair of longitudinally alignedinterlocking members 30 a, 30 b are disposed intermediate the bagretaining slits 35 a, 35 b and the opposing side edges 12 a, 12 b of thecollapsible support apparatus 100. The interlocking members 30 a, 30 bare configured to axially engage with apertures formed from interlockingmembers punched out from other collapsible support apparatus 100′ (FIGS.4A, 4B). The locking members 30 a, 30 b are typically formed as ovoidshaped push tabs. The interlocking members 30 a, 30 b are typicallyconfigured as longitudinally aligned ovoid shaped punch-throughapertures where one edge of the punched material remains attached to thefirst and second elongated subpanels 5 a, 5 b analogous to the spacedgrip tabs 25 a, 25 b. The interlocking members 30 a, 30 b are useful toaggregate a plurality of collapsible support apparatus 100, 100′ (FIGS.4A, 4B) for added upright structural support against strong winds and/ordisparate loading of materials with the bags. In other situations,interlocked collapsible support apparatus 100, 100′ may be arranged forcollection of varying recyclable and waste materials at a commonlocation.

FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C depict various stages of assembly of a collapsiblesupport apparatus 100 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. In anexemplary embodiment, assembly of the collapsible support apparatus 100is accomplished by positioning 205 the second elongated subpanel 5 b injuxtaposition with the first elongated subpanel 5 a such that a bottomedge 70 b of the second elongated subpanel 5 b is approximately inperpendicular alignment with the one or more longitudinal score lines 50which defines the coupling tab 20. Positioning of the second elongatedsubpanel 5 b is accomplished by axial pivoting along the longitudinalscore line 40. The base subpanels 15 a, 15 b are pivoted 208 upward tobe approximately perpendicularly aligned with the first and secondelongated subpanels 5 a, 5 b.

Once the second elongated subpanel 5 b is properly positioned, thecoupling tab 20 is pivoted upwardly 210 along the one or morelongitudinal score lines 50 such that the coupling tab and secondelongated subpanel 5 b are aligned in a parallel face-to-facerelationship. Means for coupling the coupling tab 20 of the second basesubpanel 15 b with the second elongated subpanel 5 b is then applied 215thereby forming a partially enclosed triangular and unitary structure.The coupling means may include stapling, riveting, thermal fusion,adhesive, welding, tape or any other method known in the relevant art.

FIGS. 3A, 3B depict placement of a bag 305 within the collapsiblesupport apparatus 100 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. In anexemplary embodiment, a bag 305 is oriented such that its opening 310 isdirected upward. A top edge of the bag 305 proximate to the opening 310is folded to form a ring 315. The ring 315 is placed over the top edges10 a, 10 b of the first and second subpanels 5 a, 5 b. Corners of thebag are then inserted into the bag retaining slits 35 a, 35 b whichmaintains the bag 305 in an upright and open orientation predominatelywithin the collapsible support apparatus 100. In another exemplaryembodiment, the bag 305 is simply slid over the outer top periphery ofthe collapsible support apparatus 100 until adjacent corners 320, 320′of the bag 305 engage the side edges 12 a, 12 b of the collapsiblesupport apparatus 100. Once the bag is properly installed within thecollapsible support apparatus 100, materials may then be disposed withinthe bag 305 via the opening 310. The base panel 15 provides anon-abrasive support in which the bag 305 may rest upon.

FIGS. 4A, 4B depict various perspective views of first and secondinterlocked collapsible support apparatus 100, 100′ with installed bags305, 305′ in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. In thisembodiment, two or more collapsible support apparatus 100, 100′ arearranged such that subpanels of the two or more collapsible supportapparatus 100, 100′ are in an upright face-to-face planar relationship.This exemplary arrangement aligns adjacent interlocking members 30 a, 30b, 30 a′, 30 b′ to be disposed in adjacent ovoid-shaped apertures formedby the opposing interlocking member being punched through in an offsetparallel relationship 400. The ability to interlock 400 adjacentcollapsible support apparatus 100, 100′ improves upright stabilityagainst strong winds and/or disproportionate loading of materials inadjacent bags 305, 305′. In an exemplary embodiment, the two or morecollapsible support apparatus 100, 100′ are constructed from acorrugated material 415.

In other exemplary embodiments, the interlocked collapsible supportapparatus 100, 100′ may be arranged for collection of varying recyclableand waste materials at a common location. In some such exemplaryembodiments, the exposed visible elongated subpanels 5 a, 5 b′ may beused to graphically display 405, 410 the intended materials to be placedinto the open end of the bag 310, 310′. Alternately or in additiontherewith, the collapsible support apparatus 100, 100′ may becolor-coded (not shown) to differentiate various recyclable materials410 from waste materials 405.

FIGS. 5A, 5B depict front and side views of a collapsible supportapparatus 100 in a collapsed state in accordance with an exemplaryembodiment. In this embodiment, the collapsible support apparatus 100may be collapsed by applying an upward force along the double scoringlines 55 intermediate the base subpanels 15 a, 15 b. This action pullsthe adjacent elongated subpanels 5 a, 5 b cooperatively along with thebase subpanels 15 a, 15 b to be disposed intermediate the two elongatedsubpanels 5 a, 5 b to form a generally planar structure. Alternately, adownward force along the double scoring lines 55 intermediate the basesubpanels 15 a, 15 b will likewise collapse the collapsible supportapparatus 100 into a planar structure with the base subpanels 15 a, 15 bextending longitudinally from bottom edges of the two elongatedsubpanels 5 a, 5 b. This folding arrangement increases the footprint ofthe collapsible support apparatus 100 but has a thinner cross-sectionalprofile (not shown.)

The various exemplary inventive embodiments described herein areintended to be merely illustrative of the principles underlying theinventive concept. It is therefore contemplated that variousmodifications of the disclosed embodiments will, without departing fromthe inventive spirit and scope, be apparent to persons of ordinary skillin the art. They are not intended to limit the various exemplaryinventive embodiments to any precise form described. In particular, itis contemplated that the collapsible support apparatus may beconstructed from any suitable material with different dimensions and/orbag capacities. No specific limitation is intended to a particularconstruction material, assembly order or sequence described. Othervariations and inventive embodiments are possible in light of aboveteachings, and it is not intended that this Detailed Description limitthe inventive scope, but rather by the Claims following herein.

1. A collapsible support apparatus comprising: an elongated panelconfigured to form a partially enclosed triangular structure comprising:a longitudinal score line which defines first and second elongatedsubpanels; a lateral score line which defines a base panel extendingfrom a bottom edge of the first elongated subpanel; means for coupling afree edge of the base panel with the second elongated subpanel; whereinthe collapsible support apparatus is collapsible at least along thelongitudinal and lateral score lines into a generally planar structure.2. The collapsible support apparatus of claim 1 wherein the elongatedpanel includes a pair of longitudinal bag retaining slits formed intotop edges of the first and second elongated subpanels, the bag retainingslits being laterally offset a predetermined lateral distance fromopposing side edges of the elongated panel.
 3. The collapsible supportapparatus of claim 2 wherein each bag retaining slit is configured toreceive a portion of an open end of a bag in a secure wedgingrelationship for positively retaining the bag in the upright and openstate.
 4. The collapsible support apparatus of claim 1 wherein the basepanel includes spaced double scoring lines for cooperatively collapsingthe base panel with the first and second elongated subpanels.
 5. Thecollapsible support apparatus of claim 4 wherein the spaced doublescoring lines extend diagonally across a planar face of the bottom panelin a plane that perpendicularly intercepts the longitudinal score line.6. The collapsible support apparatus of claim 2 further comprising: apair of longitudinally aligned interlocking members disposedintermediate the bag retaining slits and the opposing side edges of theelongated panel.
 7. The collapsible support apparatus of claim 6 whereinthe interlocking members are configured to engage with interlockingmembers associated with one or more other collapsible support apparatus.8. The collapsible support apparatus of claim 2 wherein the opposingside edges include a tapered profile.
 9. The collapsible supportapparatus of claim 8 wherein a narrowest lateral dimension of thetapered profile is proximate to the base panel.
 10. A collapsiblesupport apparatus comprising: a corrugated elongated panel arranged toform a partially enclosed triangular structure for maintaining a bag inan upright and open state predominately therein, the corrugatedelongated panel comprising: a longitudinal score line which definesfirst and second elongated subpanels; a lateral score line which definesa base panel extending perpendicularly from a bottom edge of the firstelongated subpanel, the base panel dimensioned to span intermediatebottom edges of the first and second elongated subpanels; means forcoupling a free edge of the base panel with the second elongatedsubpanel; wherein the collapsible support apparatus is collapsible atleast along the longitudinal and lateral score lines into a generallyplanar structure.
 11. The collapsible support apparatus of claim 10wherein the base panel includes spaced double scoring lines forcooperatively collapsing the base panel intermediate the first andsecond subpanels.
 12. The collapsible support apparatus of claim 10wherein the free edge of the base panel includes a coupling tab disposedgenerally in parallel with a predominate face of the second subpanel.13. The collapsible support apparatus of claim 10 further comprising apair of longitudinally aligned interlocking members disposed proximateto opposing top corners of the corrugated elongated panel.
 14. Thecollapsible support apparatus of claim 10 wherein the longitudinallyaligned interlocking members comprise ovoid-shaped push tabs.
 15. Thecollapsible support apparatus of claim 10 wherein the partially enclosedtriangular structure includes an open face opposite the longitudinalscore line.
 16. The collapsible support apparatus of claim 10 whereinthe base panel includes one or more apertures adapted to receive meansfor securing the collapsible support apparatus to a horizontal surface.17. A collapsible support apparatus comprising: a corrugated elongatedpanel configured to form a partially enclosed triangular structure formaintaining a bag in an upright and open state predominately therein,the corrugated elongated panel comprising: a first elongated subpanelhaving a top edge, a bottom edge, a side edge and a bag retaining slotpartially extending longitudinally a predetermined distance from the topedge toward the bottom edge; a second elongated subpanel longitudinallycoupled with the first elongated subpanel along a first score line; abase panel laterally coupled with the bottom edge of the first elongatedsubpanel along a second score line, the base panel including a thirdscore line extending diagonally across a predominate face of the basepanel; means for coupling a free edge of the base panel with the secondelongated subpanel; wherein the first and second elongated subpanels andbase panel are collapsible along the first, second and third score linesinto a generally planar structure.
 18. The collapsible support apparatusof claim 17 wherein the means for coupling the free edge of the basepanel with the second elongated subpanel is a connection tablongitudinally coupled to a side edge of the base panel defined by afourth score line.
 19. The collapsible support apparatus of claim 17further comprising: a pair of spaced grip tabs disposed proximate to topedges of the first and second elongated subpanels.
 20. The collapsiblesupport apparatus of claim 17 wherein the base panel includes a polygonshape dimensioned to span intermediate bottom edges of the first andsecond elongated subpanels.